Brenda Weston
Geelong,VIC
Summary
Dynamic Advanced Child Protection Practitioner with the Department of Families, Fairness & Housing, skilled in crisis intervention and effective communication. Proven track record in developing safety plans and enhancing family dynamics, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve optimal outcomes for at-risk children, youth and families.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ADVANCED CHILD PROTECTION PRACTITIONER
Department of Families, Fairness & Housing
GEELONG, VICTORIA
08.2017 - Current
- Investigated allegations of abuse and neglect through interviews and home visits.
- Engaged parents to enhance parenting skills and family dynamics.
- Developed safety plans ensuring children's safety and protection in care.
- Linked and supported clients with community resources, assisting with access to recommended services.
- Participated in multidisciplinary teams to strategise solutions for complex cases.
- Maintained CRIS records, documenting where appropriate, on the department's CRIS database.
- Collaborated with agencies to coordinate comprehensive services for families.
- Monitored court hearings related to child protection and submitted required reports.
KINSHIP ENGAGEMENT WORKER
Department of Families, Fairness & Housing
GEELONG, VICTORIA
10.2023 - 09.2025
- Provided education to kinship carers and others involved on how to support the social, emotional, physical development, and stability of children in their care.
- Provided support and guidance to at-risk youth in a variety of settings.
- Identified any additional support needed by families or caregivers, and assisted with referrals to relevant services.
- Provided technical support to staff on CRIS and Kinship placement setup, and payments in support of placements.
- Provided emotional support and encouragement to kinship carers managing the behaviors of children who exhibited signs of trauma and distress.
- Rebuilt and strengthened communication between child protection and kinship carers, family members, and other key supports.
- Conducted home visits to complete Kinship A assessments to assist children being placed with family as Kinship, linking in support services accordingly.
NDIS SUPPORT COORDINATOR/Residential Care Worker
McCallum Disability
BALLARAT, VIC
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Created individualized service plans to meet unique client needs and goals.
- Maintained precise records of client interactions and services rendered.
- Educated clients on community resources including housing, employment, and financial assistance.
- Developed partnerships with external service providers to enhance service delivery.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing human services.
- Updated case notes daily in an electronic database for accurate tracking.
- Coordinated transportation for clients to access medical appointments and necessary activities.
- Assessed mental health risk factors and implemented effective management strategies.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - COUNSELLING
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Ballarat, VIC01-2013
Associate of Applied Science - Family And Community Services
University of Ballarat
Ballarat, VIC11-2012
Associate of Applied Science - Domestic Violence Response Training
LIFELINE AUSTRALIA
Ballarat, VIC04-2012
Bachelor of Arts - COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES
Federation University Australia
VICSkills
- Client engagement
- Effective communication and conflict resolution
- Risk assessment and safety planning
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Crisis intervention
- Case management
- Court report writing
Affiliations
- Creative person, sewing, crafts
- Singer
- Hairdresser and Creative arts
Accomplishments
- High-Distinctions Federation University
- Facilitated children's Music program
- Singing in productions and events
Certification
- Qualified Hairdresser
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
KINSHIP ENGAGEMENT WORKER
Department of Families, Fairness & Housing
10.2023 - 09.2025
ADVANCED CHILD PROTECTION PRACTITIONER
Department of Families, Fairness & Housing
08.2017 - Current
NDIS SUPPORT COORDINATOR/Residential Care Worker
McCallum Disability
08.2016 - 08.2017
Associate of Applied Science - COUNSELLING
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Associate of Applied Science - Family And Community Services
University of Ballarat
Associate of Applied Science - Domestic Violence Response Training
LIFELINE AUSTRALIA
Bachelor of Arts - COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES
Federation University Australia
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